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Usefulness of simulating social phenomena: evidence

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Abstract

This paper discusses partial results of an ongoing project focused on analysing the current usefulness and implications of developing research on agent-based social simulation models beyond academic, hobbyist or educational purposes. Design, development and testing phases of such modelling are discussed along with common issues evidence-driven modellers often face whilst collecting, analysing and modelling quantitative and qualitative data into social simulations. It also includes a discussion on the evidence gathered in published literature and structured interviews with researchers that have lead mid- to long-term (3–5 years) projects on social simulation in Europe and the United States. Finally, good-practice recommendations are put forward by presenting a development methodology fully guided by evidence.

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Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Ignacio Garcia, Federico Morales, Bruce Edmonds, Scott Moss, Frank Dignum, Barry Silvermam, Ruth Aylett and Lisa Winkler, plus the two anonymous reviewers, discussions held at the AISB Symposium on Social Understanding of Artificial Intelligence and at the 6th Conference of the European Social Simulation Association.

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  1. Centre for Policy Modelling, M1 3GH, Manchester, England, UK

    Pablo Lucas

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  1. Pablo Lucas
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Correspondence to Pablo Lucas.

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Lucas, P. Usefulness of simulating social phenomena: evidence. AI & Soc 26, 355–362 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-010-0315-1

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